Adebayo Adenrele
The Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE), Ekiti State Chapter has lamented the rise in building and infrastructure collapse across the nation.
The association said the occurrence has generated substantial apprehension over the safety and quality of construction in the nation.
This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the State Chairman, Samuel Ogundare.
According to the association, challenges such as bribery, corruption, and others do not only lead to the loss of life and property but also erode public trust in the building sector.
The statement read in part, “To combat building and infrastructure collapse, the following measures are proposed.
“Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Implement stricter building codes and standards, and ensure rigorous enforcement by relevant authorities.
“Quality Assurance and Control: Establish mandatory quality control measures to verify the use of standard materials and adherence to construction practices.
“Structural Integrity Assessment: Every structure constructed with the last 15 years in the state must be subjected to Structural Integrity Test (S.I.T.) and adequate certification must be submitted to an approving body by the owner or developer
“Capacity Building: Provide training and certification programs for construction professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge of best practices.
“Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch educational campaigns to inform the public about the importance of building safety and the risks associated with substandard construction.
“Anti-Corruption Measures: Implement stringent anti-corruption policies and mechanisms to eliminate bribery and ensure transparency within the construction industry.
“Regular Inspections and Audits: Conduct routine inspections and audits of construction sites to identify and rectify potential safety hazards.
“The government of Ekiti State is encouraged to take immediate and decisive action to resolve the issue of infrastructure and building collapse.
“This threat necessitates the cooperation of the public, construction professionals, and government agencies. A more resilient and secure built environment for all Nigerians can be achieved by implementing the proposed solutions”.